The council has planned a variety of events to mark the occasion, ranging from street parties and tea dances to historical exhibitions and talks
Tower Hamlets is gearing up to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day, a historic occasion that marked the end of the Second World War in Europe. On 8 May 1945, the announcement of victory sparked spontaneous celebrations across the nation, bringing together people from all walks of life in a shared sense of relief and joy. This year, Tower Hamlets Council is hosting a series of events to honour the generation who experienced and contributed to the war effort.
VE Day, or Victory in Europe Day, is a day of national significance, and Tower Hamlets is set to pay tribute to those who served across the UK and the Commonwealth. The council has planned a variety of events to mark the occasion, ranging from street parties and tea dances to historical exhibitions and talks. These events aim to bring the community together, reflect on the sacrifices made, and celebrate the resilience of those who lived through the war years.
Executive Mayor of Tower Hamlets, Lutfur Rahman, expressed his sentiments on the occasion, saying, “Today, we honour the courage and sacrifice of all those who left their loved ones to fight fascism, and of those who gave their support on the home front. As we reflect on their bravery and resilience, we reaffirm our commitment to building a more peaceful, just and equal world.”
Kamrul Hussain, Cabinet Member for Culture and Recreation, added, “Our VE Day events aim to pay tribute to the thousands of people who gave so much during the fight against fascism in the Second World War. We invite residents to take part in these events to help us keep this important history alive and to honour all those in our community who sacrificed so much.”
One of the key events is the VE Day Street Party and Tea Dance at Victoria Park on Wednesday, 7 May. The event, which is free for older residents, will feature 1940s themed live music, food, and drink. The celebrations will continue the following day, with a special VE Day event at the Tower Hamlets Local History Library and Archives. From 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm, residents are invited to browse through archives documenting the borough’s experiences during the Second World War. Archivists will present highlights from the library’s collections in the education room.
Bethnal Green Library will also host a VE Day celebration on Thursday, 8 May, from 2 pm to 4 pm. Best-selling author Duncan Barrett will present his book, ‘Blitz Kids: True Stories from the Children of Wartime Britain’. The book, based on interviews with people who lived through the war as children, tells the stories of fifteen individuals from across the UK, including some from East London. Refreshments will be provided for attendees.
Another highlight is the VE Day and St George’s Day Tea Dance at The Art Pavilion in Mile End Park. Older residents can enjoy a free celebration with a big band playing 1940s themed music, food, drink, and plenty of dancing. Advance booking is essential for this event.
The Tower of London will also mark the 80th anniversary with a commemorative display of poppies. From 6 May, nearly 30,000 of the original poppies from the 2014 installation, ‘Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red’, will be displayed inside the Tower walls. The poppies, on loan from Imperial War Museums and designed by artist Paul Cummins, will create a shared space for visitors to remember and reflect on the collective sacrifice. Tower Hamlets residents can visit the Tower and see the installation for just £1.
These events are not only a tribute to the past but also an opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate the enduring spirit of resilience and unity. As Tower Hamlets prepares to mark this significant anniversary, residents are encouraged to participate in these events to honour the sacrifices made and to keep the memory of VE Day alive for future generations.
